Originally, Windsor Castle was one of eight castles ordered build in the 11th century by William the Conqueror to protect London. Today, it is world famous for being one of the residents of the Queen of England. Of the original eight castles order by William I for the protection of London, Windsor is the only one still standing.

Windsor Castle is full of history, having been a royal domicile for almost a 1000 years (39 monarchs have called it home) . It has been a site of battle, royal weddings, royal proclamations, imprisonment and the repository of family hand me downs.

Photo Above - The round tower of Windsor Castle sits high up on an earthen mound (the motte).

The Windsor castle build by William the Conqueror was not the stone walled enclosure you find today but a wooden fortress. Still, the current castle retains the basic lay out of the wooden castle, two baileys (courtyards) with the motte at center. It was King Henry II that replaced the wooded fortifications with cut rock towards the end of the 12th century.

Photo Above - Changing of the guard at Windsor.

Of course, tourist today do not visit Windsor Castle for the primary reason of viewing its ramparts. No, they come to get a peek inside the life of British Royalty. Here Windsor does not disappoint, one can watch the changing of the guard, explore a fantastic art collection, view priceless royal memorabilia and visit the state rooms where the nobel, and not so nobel, have been entertained.